Planter bottoms usually are slatted, with some type of semi-permeable cloth barrier which permits drainage. Planters are elevated containers which have bottoms to prevent the soil from falling out. Raised beds are not the same as garden planters.
For some gardeners this is the biggest benefit of all. And if the beds are built well, the gardener can sit on the edge of the bed while weeding. This is especially helpful for older gardeners or people with bad backs. Raised garden beds are available in a variety of different materials, or they can be made with relative ease.īy raising the soil level, raised garden beds also reduce back strain when bending over to tend the bed. Raised beds are also ideal for square foot gardening. In many regions, gardeners are able to plant earlier in the season because the soil is warmer and better drained when it is above ground level. The sides of the beds keep your valuable garden soil from eroding or washing away during heavy rains. They keep pathway weeds from your garden soil, prevent soil compaction, provide good drainage, and serve as a barrier to pests such as slugs and snails. Herbs: Basil, cilantro, mint, oregano, thyme, sage and rosemary all are great accents and fillers in raised beds that’ll complement just about any dish.Raised garden beds (also called garden boxes) are great for growing small plots of veggies and flowers.You’ll need to stake or cage your plants. Tomatoes: Tomatoes love warm soil, and the loose soil aids in root-system development.Onions: Onions need quick-draining soil, plenty of organic matter and a long growing season.Melons: Raised beds and melons work well together thanks to the loose, warm soil.Leaf Vegetables: Kale, lettuce and spinach do very well in the warm, fast-draining soil of a raised garden bed.Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes and beets all grow well in the loose soil of a raised bed.Here are some planting suggestions for your garden bed: And, because you’re putting bagged soil into the bed, you can plant immediately, rather than waiting on ground soil to thaw before you can plant in it. You can also better control soil additions, like compost and fertilizers, to suit your plants’ needs. The soil in a raised bed is looser and will drain better than it would in an in-ground garden. Growing raised-bed vegetables, fruits and herbs offers several advantages over growing them in regular soil. Read more about pressure-treated lumber and wood preservatives on the EPA website: Overview of Wood Preservative Chemicals. Don’t use pressure-treated wood as mulch.Dispose of sawdust and waste according to local regulations.Wash your hands after working with treated wood.Wear work gloves, a dust mask and eye protection when handling or cutting wood.Use wood rated for ground contact when necessary for the project.Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting when nailing or screwing boards.Pressure-treated wood shrinks as it dries. Use fasteners and hardware labeled for treated lumber - stainless-steel or hot-dipped, galvanized screws.Plant vegetable, fruit and herb plants near the center of the bed, a few inches away from the wood.įollow these guidelines and safety precautions anytime you use pressure-treated lumber:.
Line the interior sides of the bed with sheet plastic or pond liner.You can then either paint it, seal it or choose to use it as is. It can take six months or longer for treated lumber to dry. Here are some practices that may address concerns about using it in raised beds. But keep in mind that even water-based treatments, such as ACQ, contain the fungicide and pesticide necessary to make it effective. Some types are specifically treated for ground contact. Creosote-treated wood isn’t a good option for raised beds where you intend to grow vegetables.Ĭompared to untreated wood, pressure-treated lumber lasts longer and is available at a comparable cost. Current treatments such as alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) are deemed low risk by the EPA and designated safe for use around humans, pets, plants and vegetables. Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) was the most controversial treatment, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned it for consumer use in 2003. The purpose for chemical pressure treatment is to protect wood from rot, decay and wood-ingesting insects. Pressure-treated lumber is also an option, but it’s been a controversial topic for many years.Hemlock, fir and pine are suitable materials for raised beds but aren’t very long lasting.Cedar and redwood are naturally water-resistant but can be expensive and hard to find.The wood you choose to use for a raised bed is your decision.
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